Lawmakers to Shoot Down Gun Legislation

Legislators say CWP classes for teachers not a good idea

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By
Monique Williams

Story Created:
Feb 12, 2013 at 5:54 PM EDT

Story Updated:
Feb 12, 2013 at 6:23 PM EDT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- In anticipation that her colleagues will support legislation to allow concealed weapons at school, freshman Senator Katrina Shealy's concealed weapon permit classes for teachers are underway. However, some lawmakers say she is jumping the gun.

"People who take the time to get a certified weapons permit, these are law abiding citizens," said Republican Senator from Lexington, Katrina Shealy.

Hundreds of those citizens, specifically Midlands teachers, signed on to obtain a certified weapons permit beginning this week. They are going through firearms training classes similar to the ones trained law enforcement officers must pass. The classes, offered by Shealy are ammunition she plans to use to win over state lawmakers when it comes time to discuss her bill. That bill would allow teachers to possess a concealed weapon on school property.

"It's a tragedy waiting to happen," said Democratic Senator John Scott.

He believes Shealy's measure is fueled by the school shooting in Connecticut and adds fear here in South Carolina where there is none.

He is one of several lawmakers we spoke to who plan to shoot down such legislation. Senators Joel Lourie (D), John Courson (R) and Representative Bakari Sellers (D) all agree with Scott.

"Listen, this is not the wild wild west. These are young children we're trying to teach not to be violent and, instead, we arm teachers in the classroom. What message are sending?"

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

I am a firm believer in defending innocent lives. I am one of those in Senator Shealy's CWP class. We are sitting ducks waiting for something tragic to happen because it is highly advertised that we have no way to defend ourselves. I applaud Senator Shealy for taking this stand. She is ahead of her time. I do not feel safe at school but hopefully will very soon with her new bill in play.

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DebbieB said on Wednesday, Feb 13 at 12:50 AM

As much as I believe in having the right to bear arms, I do not think that teachers carrying concealed
weapons on schools grounds is not the way to combat the
increasing number of school ground shootings. Trained security
would be the obvious answer to me, along with metal detectors.
We have enough issues with teachers without compounding
weapons into the situation. Let teachers teach. Leave
the security of the facility to trained professionals.

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